(02/113) Trenton---The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced a temporary ban on shellfish harvesting in the waters of Peck Bay bordering Ocean City and Upper Township, Cape May County.

The suspension of harvesting is imposed as a result of discharges from dredging activities into Peck Bay which could make clams, oysters and mussels from these waters unhealthy for consumption due to bacterial contamination.

The water is reclassified to the Special Restricted category. The suspension takes effect as of dawn tomorrow November 1, 2002 until further notice.